There were three things I discussed in Assembly on Wednesday. To keep parents up-to-date with what is being said at school, I provide the following summary of what I had to say:

COVID matters:

We are fortunate to be where we are – we want to keep people safe
Please wash your hands with soap regularly during the school day
Use the sanitiser provided at entrances to buildings
Cough or sneeze into your elbow
Dispose properly any tissues you use – and then sanitise or wash your hands
Wipe down equipment you use (balls, etc) before leaving them for the next user: if you need to, ask a teacher for some wipes to do this
Avoid close gatherings and large groupings
Spread yourselves in classrooms without needing to be told: the best thing you can do for your mates or friends might be to distance a little
Follow safety protocols in various areas
We recommend you wear an appropriate face mask on buses and, if you feel more comfortable doing so during the day, you may continue to wear a mask at school. We should all respect people’s choices in this matter
Be sensible about use of the oval – if it is muddy, we do not want mud traipsed all through buildings
Be sensible also about where you store your bag if you are in Years 9-11: especially along Science Centre area, please have bags along the wall and spread out. They should not block passageways or paths
Most importantly: IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL, DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL. If you have any of the symptoms of the virus, stay home and get tested. DO NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL YOU GET AN ALL-CLEAR

Timetable:

There are some changes to the timetable this semester, other than for electives and rotational groups, etc.
Changes will be evident on your SIMON timetable
The main thing which will affect everyone is on Fridays when morning classes from Semester One have moved to the afternoon; last semester’s afternoon classes are now in the morning
Those of you doing the Year 9&10 WOOD or INTRODUCTION TO AGRIBUSINESS electives should make sure you are clear about arrangements for getting to those classes on Friday. See Mrs Bradbeer if unsure – before Friday!

Hockey:

It looks likely that junior hockey (that will be 18 and Under we expect) will commence the weekend after this one
We are waiting on confirmation from the local Association of the Divisions but expect all competition to be mixed girls and boys
All students wishing to play for the College will need to register with Hockey Vic for insurance purposes and link their registration to College Hockey Club
The HockeyVic reduced fee for the year has been set up and there will be no local fees due to the reduced length and nature of the season
We are expecting there to be seven rounds of hockey and then a Grand Final between the top two teams in each Division
As soon as we receive confirmation from the Association of arrangements, we will advise you but you might like to get your registration attended to: you MUST be REGISTERED to be allowed to play
Training advice will follow with confirmation of the arrangements for the season. We hope to provide all this information before the weekend

It’s good to be back, isn’t it? Please do your bit to make this a positive and productive – and COVID-safe – term for us all.

Neil MacLean

Associate Principal, Operations

Careers